Some Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting

We all have a fasting period in our day. This is the time from our last meal until our first meal the next morning. The idea behind intermittent fasting is to elongate this period to be a total of 12-23 hours long.

What I have been following for the past few months is on the lesser scale; a 14-15 hour fast.

Timing your workout accordingly is very important to ensure you are not training on an empty stomach. For example, I have my first meal at 11am and workout around noon.

“What are the benefits of Intermittent Fasting?”

I recently introduced this method to my health routine because when I began reading up on the potential benefits, and was intrigued.

Increased fat burning, metabolism, and focus

Boosts in growth hormone

Improved insulin resistance

Longer life

Lower risk of diseases such has heart disease, cancer, and diabetes

“But I thought you are supposed to eat first thing in the morning?”

All of us have heard at one point or another that in order to keep your metabolism firing, you should eat breakfast as soon as you wake up or at least within the first hour. Depending on your current routine or schedule, this may still be the best option for you. If not transitioned into slowly, a longer fasting period may trigger an unhealthy binge. If you feel you are prone to this, eating a healthy balanced breakfast early in the morning is a good idea.

“Is Intermittent Fasting for me?”

If you are interested in introducing this to your routine, start slowly! I like to consume the same number of calories I normally would, but in a shorter period of time. Start by eating your breakfast an hour later or your last meal an hour earlier for a few days in a row. Continue to add another hour over the next few weeks. For example:

Week 1 : 8 hour fast

Week 2: 9 hour fast

Week 3: 10 hour fast

etc., etc.

I personally find 15 hours to be my sweet spot, but maybe 12 hours will feel good for you. Only time will tell!